A statue of beauty and marvel is born when the marble allows the chisel to chip away its edges; hidden potential is never brought out without the pain of edges being shaved off sharply.
Prayer works best only when you are ready to change and accept the answer that God in his wisdom delays; he never answers unless you are desperate enough to grab the new and leave old ways behind.
Therefore grow old in years but retain that wonder which provoked the child in you to ask and keep on asking; for when you lose that wonder all is old and nothing new.
—
Inspired by the words of the Bible, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Negotiations begin early in life. Children negotiate with each other to gain possession of their favourite toys. Customers negotiate to get the best buy in sales showrooms and shopping malls. Often marriages are arranged after a series of negotiations. Life, it seems, involves more of negotiation than we have dreamed of. If that is true, then let us look at a few things that make a good negotiator:
A good negotiator plans and prepares for negotiations. He should process all available information. He should also learn to anticipate new elements and power plays that might come into play at a later stage in the negotiation process.
A good negotiator always keeps long-range goals in mind. He operates on the basis of mutual trust and respect. He recognizes genuine needs of the other party. So he tries his best to satisfy them even as he gets his point across.
A good negotiator is never afraid to ask. He is not deterred by “No” answers and closed doors. He knocks again, surfaces objections and clarifies doubts. He seeks to reopen bridges of communication. To re-establish dialogue is his highest priority when negotiations are deadlocked.
A good negotiator learns to have an intuitive sense for knowing the best deal. He has an ability to recognize when the other party is holding back or when he has offered the best deal possible. He knows when to concede and how to close without squeezing the other party too tight.
A good negotiator knows that negotiation is not an end in itself but a process. He is aware that both parties are answerable and accountable. Therefore he tries to make negotiations a winning process. It succeeds when both parties are able to carry back satisfactory answers without erosion of mutual trust and respect.
A good negotiator has to be flexible. He should be sure of what he can negotiate about and what he cannot (non-negotiables). When both parties want to have a positive outcome (especially true with relationships), things quickly fall in place. When long-range goals are kept in mind negotiations produce better results than predicted.
A good negotiator is never in a hurry to close a deal. He is a master of the waiting game. But like a cat playing with a mouse (Tom and Jerry), he knows when to go in for the kill. It is all a matter of knowing the right moment. By no means are these thoughts exhaustive. But still it is always good to remember fundamentals.
Above all, remember it is people you are dealing with. They too have dreams, ambitions, aspirations, fear of rejection and failure, and the fear of making mistakes and appearing stupid at the end of the day.
If you can be compassionate even when appearing to be unyielding and tough; you can be a good negotiator. And as a leader, you can not only strike deals, influence people and rally up a team with united purpose behind you but also keep relationships growing. Isn’t that awesome?
Pop culture or popular culture in society is mostly seen to impact youth. It is the culture that is happening or trending. It is what is commonly popular. The stage for pop culture is set through what is popularly seen, heard, and talked about through all kinds of mass media. Now let us just look at a few key areas where pop culture dominates.
The down side is that youngsters will compare their appearance to what they see and feel inferior.
Cartoons Cartoons influence children in a huge way. It defines the way they imagine, think, talk, and behave. In a positive way it helps the children build up their vocabulary. It helps them construct short meaningful sentences at an early age.
In a negative sense cartoons can influence them in wrong behaviour, disrespect towards elders, violence and so on. It is also seen that most of the things children consume like bags, shoes, books, soft drinks, snacks etc all carry the images of their favourite cartoon characters. Isn’t this limiting their imagination and creativity; I wonder?
Food Homely food and having family dinner around the table at home are becoming a thing of the past. Instead ordering food online or eating out at eateries is becoming common. With youngsters, eating out becomes a point of socialization with many.
The negative side of this pop culture is the kind of junk food consumption it encourages.
Music
The world of music like pop and rock and heavy metal and country music sets trends. It throws up icons and celebrities. Young people look up to them as role models. The lyrics of some of the popular songs celebrate love and romance, freedom and throwing away of restraints, pain and agony and so on.
The trouble comes when some of the legends of popular music end up in substance abuse or suicide or broken relationships. Then these idols as role models are shattered in the minds of millions who followed them.
Communication
In olden days tea shop was a place of get together; and around of cup of tea conversations about daily news would take place. Gone are those days. Today, in a gathering of people anywhere, the latest trending books or comics one reads (Comic Con), or a popular film people watched can all instantly open up conversations.
Suddenly the participants feel a sense of belonging to a community. There are no rules but simply participation and a feeling of being included. Perhaps it gives a sense of acceptance, identity, self worth, and security!
Social Media
A lot of life revolves around social media these days. People are heavily influenced by what they consume through social media. It not only allows people to express themselves but also enable them to rally around popular causes easily. It is seen that some changes in society are even driven through social media.
Entertainment
The way sports and games have grown into industries which generate billions in terms of dollars and euro and rupees is astounding. So many sports stars, especially football, cricket and tennis players, have shaped the way youngsters look at life. Then there are television shows, serials, news shows, musical reality shows and so on which have impacted much. The episodes become the talk of the town quite easily and effortlessly.
Then there are video games. Somehow youngsters are glued to mobile screens and gaming stations when they play what is popular. Even when claims to the benefits of playing video games abound; the kind of violence and killings encouraged in most of them in the name of strategy is alarming.
Advertising
A product is no longer sold because it is good and superior to other products in the market. Instead, advertising determines how a product survives the competition. Now what do advertisements basically do?
They create a dissatisfaction in our minds about existing situations. Then they show us a new improved version available. By that time they have created a sense of need; sometimes genuine and desirable but often a false sense of urgency to act immediately.
The appeal of advertisements in determining pop culture is huge. Just look around to see people rush out to buy and consume things that are popularly advertised. And you will know the impact of advertisements on pop culture.
To conclude, pop culture is an indicator of how the world thinks and moves. It shows us how quickly the world dumps something that is trending today and goes after what’s latest, glamorous and new. As the world grows smaller each day; pop culture grows bigger because it spreads at the speed of light all across the globe aided by digital technology. And not one of us can escape this tidal wave of pop culture.
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
— There Is Nothing New Under the Sun
“All of life is far more boring than words could ever say. Our eyes and our ears are never satisfied with what we see and hear. Everything that happens has happened before; nothing is new, nothing under the sun.”
— King Solomon (Ecclesiastes 1:8, 9 Contemporary English Version Bible).
“I the LORD do not change”– Malachi 3:6
“I don’t feel like speaking today,” is that kind of attitude and response which is common with school kids. But you should be made of stronger stuff than that.
I do accept that your problems at home, issues with health, work pressure at office, a broken relationship, and financial struggles are weighing you down. But what about tomorrow. It may or may not bring solutions. So if you don’t speak today you lose an opportunity–a time and opportunity and a moment that will never repeat itself in your life again!
More than that you lose a chance to make a stand for doing what is right. Your emotions will fight tooth and nail to oppose your decision to speak. And, if you allow your emotions to dictate probably you’ll end up doing nothing significant in life.
On the other hand, can you imagine the confidence it will give you if you can step forward and attempt to speak? Sure, you are unprepared. But did you know that some great speeches are born in the fire of “I can’t do it” protestations? So decide to speak no matter what you feel.
You anyway will not solve your problems by not speaking. Therefore step out and speak. Tomorrow you will be able to speak with more grace, eloquence, and confidence simply because today you attempted to speak in spite of your troubles. When you speak today it might not be anywhere near perfection; but that doesn’t matter. What alone matters is the fact that you did not yield to the spirit of despair that said, “I can’t do it!”
Success in life is about your ability to refuse the negativity that wants to dominate you. Success is not about measuring the quality of each speech delivered or every single attempt you make. Success is about keeping on doing what you are good in spite of all of your doubts and fears.
So do it today. Let your voice be heard. Who knows how you might inspire someone else by your courage to speak today! Let me conclude by reminding you that the feeling that “I can’t do it”is a deception and a lie. You can if you are simply willing to try.
Fear is common to all. Some fear the dark; some others spiders or snakes or cockroaches; some others fear public speaking. Let us look at some of the most common excuses given to avoid speaking in public.
#1. My English Vocabulary Is Poor
Let me put across a sentence to you: I today bike ride came office. I hope you got the meaning. Did I use proper grammar here? No. But did you get the idea I wanted to convey. Yes. The truth is that you don’t need big words nor grammar to communicate. But it is great if you can use correct English.
Without grammar it is probably like riding a car on a bumpy road; while on the other hand it will seem like a glide. And you don’t need big words to communicate well. Robert Frost’s “The woods are lovely, dark and deep, And I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep,” continues to fascinate readers. The depth of meaning communicated is huge; but the words chosen are simple for even a little child to understand. So also you go for simple words.
#2. I Forgot My Points Last Time
All speakers experience this from time to time. The simplest thing you can do is to note down the main headings of your speech on a card. Keep it with you. The confidence it brings, and the freedom you feel is big. Give your notes an occasional glance. That is all that is needed to keep your worries away.
It is like the confidence a car driver has because of him having a stepney or spare tyre ready in case of a puncture on road. In case you need additional help, just note down a few key words in big bold letters underneath the main headings. That will reassure you that your mind will not go blank when you speak. You can even make the note cards colourful with highlighters, crayons or sketch pen markings.
#3. I Don’t Have Enough Knowledge
Now this is true for many. But should it stop you from speaking? No. Then what is the best thing you can do. Create a habit of reading. Keep notes of what you read. You can refer to them when you prepare a talk. The problem comes when you take a plain, simple, direct approach to the topic. Instead try to have depth in your talk.
For example when you talk about marriage; do not limit your talk to simply love in marriage. You can talk about the role of compatibility, finances, cultural and ideological conflicts, parental influences, work-life balance, raising up children, and of course guarding your married life from eroding influences from all around.
If you want to talk about the Cross; along with the primary understanding that it was about God’s love for you and Jesus’ once for all sacrifice for sins for all mankind; you can also add it is God’s plus sign with a vertical plane pointing to man’s upward relationship with God (love towards God) and a horizontal plane denoting our relationship with our neighbours (love for others).
#4. I Feel Like a Failure
The speaker on stage is like a lone man in a battlefield facing an army unit of hundreds. No wonder he feels vulnerable. If the speaker is thinking about how best he is delivering his speech; he is trying an impossible task. Feeling like a failure is the only result possible. The practical point is that emotions are at play when you try to assess your speech during or immediately following your speech.
Like wild waves of the sea it will hit you. Be like a rock. Or else it will drown you. The truth is that because you tried to do your best; you are not a failure. But there is always room for improvement. You need also to understand that speeches can fail in spite of your best effort. Therefore the best attitude is to prepare best, deliver best and move on and try to improve upon the best you did last time. In such a pursuit you reach towards excellence.
#5. What Do I Do with My Hands?
Some hold the Mike; others the lectern; and still others cut the air with both hands. Some rub the chin, others twist their hair and still others play with their dress. Yes it takes time to master what to do with your hands. When you are nervous, you tend to use hand movements more than what is needed or necessary.
So it is important to identify what mannerisms you have and replace them with meaningful actions. Ask a trusted friend to help you with this. Watching a video of your presentation might discourage you; so a friend’s help is best.
Know that actions have more impact when you put your whole body behind it. Actions also are more emphasized when what you say and what you show with your hands speak the same thing. As you grow in experience you will learn to be more comfortable using your hands well while speaking.
#6. I Have Nothing Interesting to Say
There are two sides to this. One is content, the other is how you say it. Well, how you say it will take some time to master. But you can always pick up threads from your life and weave it into colourful stories.
A person who says a true story well will have his audience listen to him with interest. So dig deep into your memories and you will find a treasure of stories to share.
#7. What Will Others Think About Me
People have so many things to think and worry about already. So it is foolishness to think that they have suspended all that to think about you–your dress, your fluency, your mistakes and so on. With the kind of high engagement people have with social media and their mobiles; it is highly likely that they don’t have any time to think about you.
Why worry therefore what others think about you? By the way, do you have any control over what anyone thinks about you; be it good or bad? Hope you got the point. You just focus on delivering your speech as best you can today. Even if you try hard; you can never please all in your audience. Can you?
Let me tell you a secret. There is no single secret that works when you are nervous. But hold on. First of all; be assured that you will not die due to stage fright.
Now if your mind goes blank; next time you go on stage you can be bold that you cannot go worse than the last time. Have a look at your audience. They are expecting you to succeed. Isn’t that great? So smile. It simply helps. And be pleasantly surprised to see some smile back at you. It will ease tension anyway!
By the way you will rarely get an ideal audience. There will be babies crying; organizers running around, microphones howling, people engaged in social media. The best thing to do is to focus your eyes on a few who seem eager to listen and speak.
What if you were asked to speak at the last minute? Don’t let the opportunity pass. See it as a chance to try your luck. The chances are you will do much better than you ever dreamed of. A simple tip is to focus on one idea and start. As you speak some more ideas will certainly come.
And if you were prepared; but forgot your notes; don’t panic. Ask for a sheet of paper and pick a pen. Just note down the main points from memory and keep it with you. You will do well. Well, we all have bad days when our speeches are not well delivered.
After all, we are not robots. Our best efforts as human beings are capable of being improved. So speak without fear. While stage fright, which is irrational fear, can be overcome, the truth is that nervousness before speaking will always be there. Just as you have no control over your shadow; you have no control over nervousness as well.
Often it will be at its peak when you are best prepared. It is then that you feel you have forgotten everything; even the opening lines. But the good news is that it is this very same nervousness that makes a person run away from stage; and on the other hand makes another give a thundering oration.
So welcome nervousness on board as a friend. Then instead of fighting against you; it will fight for you!
A balloon is a simple toy that delights the heart of any child. Be it a festival season, or a day in the park or at the beach; we find the eyes of children eagerly scan everywhere for balloons.
Balloons delight the hearts of young and old; both lovers and friends, and those who look for simple entertainment and hope.
A balloon filled with helium or hydrogen rise up when released from our grip. There is something inside the balloon that defies gravity–all negativity that pulls it down. Its aim is high; isn’t it?
Then what a sight it is to see colourful balloons put together. The sheer joy of variety they bring is a sight to see. A room full of such balloons can make our hearts pulsate with joy. Celebrations are often marked by balloons.
Birthdays are occasions colourful balloons are present. Many ceremonies like Olympics and World Cup inaugurations employ them.
Coming back to our streets we cannot forget the balloon vendors in our neighborhoods who make a living selling not balloons but joy to our children. They too have families; and this is their lifeline to support them.
Let me conclude. Life is short and brief. But joy that you find lasts. May colourful balloons bring you happiness.
May memories of childhood and the simple joy of holding balloons–in red, white, blue, orange, yellow and pink; in shapes of hearts, monkeys, apples, and long–tails come back to you.
The first thing to do to speak without fear is your willingness to try. Forget about all the lies about your failure the devil whispers in your mind. Instead, be ready to make a fool of yourself on stage.
Let me tell you the truth point blank:
One, you will make mistakes; I don’t know anyone who does not make them on stage; at least once in a while. I know I do.
Two, people will say good things to you like, “You speech was wonderful.” The best thing to do is not to believe it. For it doesn’t mean anything. And probably they have no more knowledge of the craft of speech than you do.
Three, people have too many things to think about already–the bills they have to pay, how to manage their bad boss at office, and the studies of their children that worry them. Do you think they have time to think about your speech and all its faults? I doubt.
Of course, you will feel humiliated when you make mistakes. For we are made of flesh and blood and emotions and mood swings; aren’t we? So, what’s the big deal? Your failure on stage proved you to be a human being. That’s all to it; and nothing more.
Now how to handle criticism levelled against you. It definitely hurts. Why? Because we have strong egos. Now what does than mean? It is the thinking that I am right (always), and I simply can’t be wrong.
Now think about it this way. It doesn’t matter how good or bad your speech was. Think about improving on it. Be dissatisfied with your best efforts. Then you will be able to see criticism helping you on the road to excellence than tearing you apart.
Finally, let me tell you the secret of success I have personally known and experienced in speaking. To me, it has always been the truth of God’s love to me displayed on the Cross of Calvary where Jesus shed his blood and died.
It has also taught me that failures are integral to the process of becoming good. It teaches you more about humility than anything else.
So face your fears honestly. But don’t make it an excuse to run away from speaking situations. Volunteer to speak. Fail. Fail again and again. The time will come when it will be difficult for you to not to succeed. And still if you fail, let it be so. But tomorrow you will try again; won’t you!
In this short speech, let me try to point out three ways that lead to failure.
Reason #1 If you ask me which is the most important reason why people fail; I can confidently say that it is their inability to say NO when confronted with a wrong choice. In other words such people try to please everybody. They are dominated by “What will others think about me?” thinking.
The failure to say NO with boldness the first time they get a chance to do so is the road that takes many through pain and bitterness and sorrow even though the entry to it was often through the gateway of pleasure.
Reason #2 The second major cause of failure in the modern world is the inability to avoid distractions. We live in a noisy world with a lot of voices and sounds everywhere. You cannot walk through the street without being visually attracted to all the colours and brightly lit adverts everywhere. But these are nothing compared to the distractions that come to us through gadgets especially mobile phones and through social media like Whatsapp and facebook.
The trouble with distractions is that they come in good packets which makes it difficult for you to resist. My friends, distractions takes your eyes off your goals and makes you lose sharp focus. As far as I know, there are not many who has achieved success in life without having pursued it with a single-minded aim.
Reason #3 Interestingly, the next reason for failure is something that will bring a smile to your face. It is nothing other than procrastination. Let me ask you how many times have you postponed doing things you should have done? How many times did such delaying of things dishearten you when pending tasks became a little mountain?
If you wish to avoid this trap, ask two questions when confronted with tasks. Is this urgent? Is this important? Having obtained those answers tackle the hardest and toughest task first. And “Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today,” as Sir Benjamin Franklin said.
There are many other causes for failure. Some among them are, lack of a specific aim or goal; the absence of planning and teamwork, not setting meaningful and realistic deadlines and sticking to it, the inability to persevere in the face of difficulties and setbacks and of course not updating knowledge.
Perhaps you can add many more to this list. But I can assuredly tell you with all confidence that if you work on the three core ideas mentioned in this speech, you can reverse the trend of failure in your life.
Let me repeat those important points once again. To succeed in life, one, learn to say NO with boldness the first time you are confronted with a wrong choice. Two, have the courage to say NO to distractions even when they come in good packets. Three, say NO to laziness; instead prioritize tasks and do things promptly without postponing.
To conclude, let me remind you that winning is a habit in life, a killer instinct you have, fuelled by a burning desire to achieve.
Attitude #1. Winners believe that it is possible to achieve
It goes without saying that all wins happen in our minds before it works out in reality. Winners conquer giants of fear and doubt in their own minds before they enter their playing fields. He who wins the battle in his mind is already a winner. He is not intimidated by opposition however fearful they appear to be.
Attitude#2. Winners see possibilities not problems
So many people lose the joy of living just because they talk about problems all the time. They forget the reality that all people have problems. But winners see problems as opportunities to be innovative, creative and tap hidden potential with enthusiasm. This very difference in outlook makes it possible for a winner to conquer seeming problems with ease.
Attitude#3. Winners do not quit even when others give up
Every highway and byway of life is littered with the bones of those who started well but gave up somewhere during the journey. This happens because it is easy to give up. But it takes blood, toil, tears, and sweat to make a win possible. It is all about persistence and perseverance. Winners are those who have persevered.
Attitude#4. Winners are constant learners
Winners are humble and are willing to learn from others. They do not stop learning. Always observant, they, like a sponge absorb the best from others. It is when people stop learning as soon as they complete their education that they become fossils. A winner is armed with latest information and he therefore is able to make intelligent decisions without loss of valuable time.
Attitude#5. Winners rehearse often and practice their art to perfection
Fools are those who think that it is easy to perform. All great performances come attached with a huge price tag. Long hours of preparation and sweat and practice is what makes a winner perform at his very best when the spotlights are focused on him. A winner labours on while others sleep; and while others relax winners push themselves to rehearse yet one more round. The results follow.
Attitude#6. Winners do not wilt under the pressure of criticism
There is no winner who has not passed through the fires of criticism. Winners do get hurt by criticism; sometimes more badly than the ordinary person. Often winners too feel like giving up. But the difference is that they choose to react positively and creatively to the pain of criticism. They make criticism levelled at them a real tornado of inspiring force to perform better and prove their critics wrong. Criticism thus becomes the fuel that burns and propels winners forward to great victories.
Attitude#7. Winners do not make success a resting place
Winners are those who are always dissatisfied with their best. They are never content in a good sense. Always there is unrest within their hearts. They scan the skies above and always try to soar still higher. Success does not satisfy winners. It only makes them long for more. They do not rest on past victories and laurels.
Attitude#8. Winners give their best in all their attempts
There are people who always look for short cuts in life. If people are not watching they do a shoddy work all the time. But winners are unlike them. They give their best at all times. It does not matter whether it is a small opportunity that has come their way; they’ll do it as if it was the greatest privilege they got in life. Giving hundred percent plus every single time is the way winners do it all the time.
Attitude#9. Winners comeback from the worst situations and pull a win straight from the jaws of defeat
Testing times prove a man or woman for their mettle. Often they stare at defeat. But winners never give up hope. They know that even when the battle is going against them; at any point they are capable of making a comeback. And they do so too; by calling forth energy and resources we thought impossible from a person exhausted from the fight, we find a rallying cry and a shout of triumph as the winner turns the tables in a flash.
Attitude#10. Winners make it possible for others to succeed
There are people who make success an end in itself. They do not see beyond the victories they enjoy in life. But true winners are those who see life in larger and broader perspective. They try to make life easier for others by lending a helping hand. Perhaps the greatest contribution from true winners is that they motivate others to be the best they can be.
I am yet to meet a genuinely talented person who has not passed through a period of loss of confidence in his or her life or career. Certainly these dark periods of doubt have really made people stronger than before.
When you pass through a period of loss of confidence it is quite natural to brood on all negatives and failures that has happened to you. That is self-defeating. Instead of doing this, think of all your best past performances and believe that you can do it again.
Some people accept loss of confidence as a permanent attachment of their lives! How sad to see people live in the belief that they will never get out of loss of confidence. Such a belief is a lie and totally untrue!
What we need to accept is the fact that for a brief passing period of life we have entered a tunnel experience where all is dark. But hold on. Light will break at the end of the tunnel. Loss of confidence therefore should be accepted as a normal part of life but never accepted as a permanent condition. In this acceptance you will find freedom!
At the same time resist the huge temptation to rush things and the attempt to get back to top gear as quickly as possible. But if you attempt to rush things, that attempt is surely going to backfire on you
Instead take your time. Go it slow. Stop your activity and simply do nothing for long periods. Your mind and body need the stops rather than the notes of music at this time. And remember each person in the same situation of loss of confidence takes a different time to recoup and recover. So take your time and do not allow anyone to rush you!
Your goal at the moment is to get back the rhythm and the passion and the enthusiasm and the effortless grace with which you did things in the past. Till you get back to your absolute best, stay contented on the small stage. Your time to roar and soar is just a few days away!
No matter what the darkness in your life; no matter how great the loss you have faced; no matter whether it was your irresponsibility or mistake; no matter how long you have been out of touch with your best; no matter who or what great odds are pitted against you; no matter how depressed and sorrowful you are now; know that with God nothing is impossible.
As King David rightly expressed,: “You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light” (Psalm 18:28). Yes, with God you can. Even before you stop reading this, thank God for the mighty comeback he has enabled in your life. It will happen; it surely will!
A final thought that we need to keep in mind is that loss of confidence is no hopeless condition.
If rightly approached, such a phase in life can bring the best out of us; and can result in an outflow of creative use of our hidden potential and talents. More perhaps has been achieved by people with loss of confidence when they have trusted in the grace of God.
When St. Paul prayed thrice that God would remove a thorn in his flesh (exactly what this source of his loss of confidence was no one knows), the Lord Jesus Christ told him the secret to get the better of it:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weaknesses.”
Paul, powered by that word of confidence, became a great achiever in spite of all negatives that happened to him in life. So also we too can achieve trusting in the power of the One whose grace is sufficient in all our loss of confidence and whose power energizes us to rise and conquer in spite of all our weaknesses!
Therefore with St. Paul, let us also confidently say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13 Bible NKJV).
Great dreams are deposited in human hearts by divine hands. Then an ordinary man becomes a dreamer. He starts thinking beyond his time and circumstances. It is soon followed by the dreamer being shaped by his dream.
Dream Big
Dreaming big has many impacts. First of all it changes you from within. It enlarges your heart to think of possibilities. It gives you an increased measure of faith to trust in God. It gives you a sense of destiny. When these kind of things happen you feel a stirring within you to fly high above your circumstances that might be trying to pull you down.
When dreams are lived out it is quite natural to encounter rough weather. It can come in the form of mistakes,unkind criticism, threats, failures, thoughts of giving up, and finally loss in many forms including finance and reputation. But bad times enlarge one’s heart, strengthen one’s resolve, fuel the passion to achieve and steel one’s character with integrity.
Go On. Finish Strong.
The temptation to give up midway into the success story is common to man. It all happens when one loses sight of the finishing tape. Then the focus gets blurred. Other distractions too can easily side-track at this point in time.
Plan Your Innings
It is a great surprise to me to see how many people go through life without any serious planning. All they do is crisis management. Instead if they could have a game plan and stick to it they can have success. Be flexible to change according to what the situation demands without totally destroying the original game plan.
Wisdom to Run Your Business
A lamp cannot burn if there is no supply of oil to it. Likewise a man cannot continue to shed light if his wisdom runs out of supply. He, in order to successfully run an enterprise, needs a continual supply of wisdom. It is needed not only to plan but also to make right decisions. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5 Bible).
Time cannot be bought nor can it be saved. Yet we often procrastinate and allow the doors of opportunity to close. Therefore “Never leave till tomorrow which you can do today” as Benjamin Franklin so wisely observed.
Celebrate What Is That Is Uniquely Yours
Others are usually good at pointing out what you are not good at. But it might take a long time for them or for you yourself to know the worth of the treasure that you carry in your earthen vessel.
But realize that each one of us has a gift of his own. And it is in the exploring, developing, and maturing of that gift to fruitfulness that a person becomes useful to others. Therefore fan into flame the gift of God that is in you.
Failures Do Not Mean the Game Is Over
Perhaps we need to learn to fail successfully:
Of course its primary lesson is sportsman spirit. One has to learn to treat failures with the same courtesy with which one treats successes.
The second lesson of course is to know that failures happen once in a while to the best of men. But we will never lower our standards. And never stop striving to win.
Purpose Is Important
Purpose gives direction to life. It helps you to focus on priorities and not get entangled by the niceties of life. A purpose-driven life is not easily distracted. Instead such a life is relentlessly focussed on achieving the goals and objectives which it had set out to accomplish and finish.
Growth: You Cannot Afford to Stay Still!
Growth in life is a complex process. But its principle is simple. It can be said in two words, “Let go!” And there is much value in those two simple words. Real growth in life comes only when we learn to leave self-defeating habits and negative thinking patterns behind.
“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men” (Proverbs 22:29).
Focus
Focus, I believe, is a key element in any success story. Being sure of what you want to do in life and why! When you are focused you will eliminate all good things that are distractions. In modern contexts, gadgets and social media can take your focus away quite easily.
Empty Spaces
Empty spaces can come in the pursuit of any dream. See those blank spaces through the eyes of music which too has empty spaces. “The notes I handle no better than many pianists. But the pauses between the notes — ah, that is where the art resides” so said the noted Austrian classical pianist Artur Schnabel.
Looking at Closed Doors
I have learned from experience that God is in the business of opening and closing doors: “What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open . . . See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut (Revelation 3:7b, 8)” is what he has said. Therefore looking ahead with hope and trust in God when doors close is part of a dreamer’s attitude to achieve success.
Loss of Confidence can strike after a series of defeats. It can make you think that you are not worth it and that all your efforts were in vain. It can drain away initiative from you. But surprisingly loss of confidence can happen at the best moments too though I have never discovered why it happens. That is a whole lot more difficult to handle.
Often a smile, an encouraging comment, a positive feedback or an unexpected phone call are those little things that has put confidence in me back again in such situations. If you are able to have one good laugh it can easily restore confidence.
This is the simple and most enduring lesson I have learned: Keep on doing what you are good at in spite of all doubts, despair, discouragement, disillusionment and defeats. And bounce back from most astonishing setbacks.
Leave a Legacy Behind
You leave a legacy behind when you have been able to show someone the stairway they had to climb in life. You leave a legacy behind when you have been a small match lighting up great torches. You leave a legacy behind when you have been able to make a person smile.
The Bible in the words of the Prophet Daniel promises a rich star-studded legacy to those who have tried to live like that: “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever (Daniel 12:3)!”
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!“The journey has by no means ended. But when one hits a century it is always an emotional moment. Yet it is also a time to look back and find out what elements had contributed to the success story.”
The above post is a condensation of Century Notes published on the occasion of the Century Batch of Bejoy Peter’s Public Speaking. In the preface I had written then:
“The journey has by no means ended. But when one hits a century it is always an emotional moment. Yet it is also a time to look back and find out what elements had contributed to the success story.”
The 100th Batch of Bejoy Peter’s Public Speaking was held at the Trivandrum YMCA from 2nd July to 14th July, 2007 with 16 students in attendance.
There are three things you should remember once you have tasted success:
The first thing to remember to counter complacency is that others are working hard to reach where you reached. You simply cannot relax.
Do not think that competition disappears when you have succeeded. The truth is it becomes more competitive than ever. So to stay at the top you need to exercise more vigilance than what it took to take you to the top in the first place.
Remember, when success weds complacency, it spells failure!
The second thing to remember to counter complacency is that you need to be ready to embrace change and adapt new methods. Times and methodologies and technologies are changing rapidly.
What was cutting edge yesterday is blunt tomorrow. Therefore be alert to changing needs and stay ahead by initiating change than following it.
Remember, when success weds complacency, it spells failure!
Why do I stress this point? It is because great men and women, great teams and organizations, nations and empires fell because they compromised on the basics.
Remember, when success weds complacency, it spells failure!
So let me remind you once again. the three points you should remember to counter complacency: One, Others are on the move to reach where you are, probably inspired by your own performance. Two, you need to be flexible and willing to change methodologies as needed. Three, and more importantly remind yourselves of basics all the time.
Let me end by reminding you yet another time: When success weds complacency, it spells failure!
Not to wound me but that I might not lose my way and perish! In that discipline I find comfort.
I never need to worry about what I need. He supplies it all. He knows what is best for me and he provides. What is not good for me; he denies.
There are no secrets in my life not known to him. There is absolutely nothing in my life that does not matter to him. All that concerns me is his concern too.
It’s a long journey ahead but he has gone before me. And I find everything prepared for me. Even when those who oppose me are watching he satisfies me with what is good with a surplus added.
Oh, how I love his special attention given me even when life is busy and no one else finds time to even ask how I am doing!
The skies become cloudy at times. And the walk takes me through valleys that are dark and frightening. Dangers lurk there at every step. But I have this one assurance, he is with me.
Let me start with what money cannot buy. It cannot buy love, it cannot buy friendship, it cannot buy peace; but it might save you time and get you temporary happiness.
Money is neither good or evil. When money is in your control it is good; but when money becomes your master you become its slave. And when you start loving money even your loved ones can feel like an obstacle or barrier in fulfiling your goals in life.
With the solemn warning that the love of money, not money as such, is the root of all kinds of evil1; let me try to give you a few tips on how to make money and grow rich.
First of all, make money grow little by little2. Small amounts add up. Small savings starting from your pocket money add up. Save a little every month and keep it aside. Someday when it is a rainy day, what you saved on a sunny day will certainly come to your aid.
Secondly, do not live on borrowed money. Of course buying a car, having an education loan, or constructing a house are exceptions and not the norm. Live within your means and with what is in your hand. Use credit cards with caution and use it wisely.
Hoped-for-money is not yours until you are rewarded for honest hard work; for no one has ever earned a gold medal for laziness! What you need is not more money but wise management of money you already have.
You needn’t wait for big money in your hand to start giving. Start today, start now with even a ten rupee note in your hand. You know what, giving can be the wisest investment you make in your lifetime for all eternity.
Finally, avoid unnecessary expenses. This in itself will make you earn more than you expect. Switch off lights and fans when you are not in the room. Do not buy little trinkets on impulse when you see them.
If you can walk to the store, why should you take your car out? There are more creative ways in which you can save and double your money than you have probably so far thought about.
Above all, trust God for your finances. You can be poor but if you can seek God’s wisdom for wise stewardship of your limited resources; then you can live on what is available. The fact is that there are so many things in life you can easily do without.
At the end of the day, and beside your grave, all that matters is how rich in life you were in being loved. No man or woman is rich by hoarding up money and never blessing others with it. So let me end now saying, “Make money, grow rich, love more!”
Welcome all to the 74th Independence day. This time we are celebrating in the midst of a global crisis due to Covid-19.
This is a time we cannot come together to celebrate the joy of independence. At the same time we cannot miss to observe this most important day of Indian history.
Therefore we have joined together online to mark the occasion.
Let us remember with gratitude all freedom fighters and all those who sacrificed much to make India free.
Today, we are in the front ranks of the nations of the world and we can be proud about our secularism and democratic principles that has stood the test of time.
Freedom, as our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in his famous First Independence Day Eve speech Tryst with Destiny 1 said, brings responsibility. So dear children, freedom not only brings privileges but also duties. Therefore let us join hands today to preserve our hard-earned freedom.
We should remember and never forget that democracy survives on freedom of speech. Therefore tolerance and respect should be the watchwords that we should keep in mind to maintain unity in diversity in this colourful and pluralistic land of rich traditions and ancient heritage.
On this occasion of Indian Independence Day, let us remember the meaningful words of Rabindranath Tagore which he penned in his great work Gitanjali:
Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high; Where knowledge is free; Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls; Where words come out from the depth of truth; Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection; Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit; Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.
Let us therefore pledge to do all in our strength to guard the flame of independence and freedom that our freedom fighters lit for us.
Let us say no to all divisive forces. Let us salute our national tricolour and proudly say Mera Bharat Mahan!
Jesus came as one who taught with authority and as a Friend of sinners! It was a shock for respectable people of the day to see him mingle with the sinful characters and social outcasts of his generation. But in no way did that stain his loveliness.
At his word, demons shuddered and fled. Diseases were gone. Bread and fish were multiplied to feed thousands. The stormy winds and waves of the Sea of Galilee were stilled. The dead were raised to life.
At his touch, people were made whole; healed on the inside, forgiven to the core. What moved him to act for others was his compassion. Those who were shunned and rejected by others found in him a Friend!
One look from him, people wept in brokenness and found love that never accused. For he showed them their worth and the possibility of a new dawn in their darkened lives. He believed, he truly believed, in failures!
In spite of all the good he did, he was crucified—nailed to the cross—like a criminal on top a hill outside the city of Jerusalem.
The cross of Jesus, no doubt, was God’s foolishness! Yet in that seeming failure and weakness was revealed the extraordinary power of God to save the worst of men and women.
For no light ever shone in human darkness like his life that was the light of men.
No hope ever entered human hearts like his triumphant resurrection from the dead.
No new beginning in human hearts and lives was ever made possible like the forgiveness of sins granted in his name.
Yes, the Bible declares, “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”1
Again the Bible says,
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”2
Every achievement in life springs from a burning desire to succeed. It is this burning desire that helps you conquer fear and break out from inhibitions.
Another word for burning desire is passion. What can I compare passion to? It is like a forest fire. It rages wild and burns down everything in its path. Therefore try to fuel passion in life.
Now let me ask you, “Have you met someone with a real burning desire and passion in life?” One thing you cannot miss about such a person is his or her single-minded aim.
He or she is someone who has given up on lesser ambitions and focused sharply on getting one thing done in life. Such a person is a disciplined person who has chiseled away everything else in life that will not contribute to that one aim that has taken hold of his or her heart so powerfully.
Yet another important mark of a passionate person is the ability to utilize time wisely. He will make use of opportunities that come his way. A passionate man knows that time is a resource that is constantly running out and can never be replenished. So he will plan and prioritize and act accordingly.
For his farewell Michael Schumacher wore his traditional Schuberth red helmet showing a single thank you message for his fans. “Life is about passions – Thank you for sharing mine” is written on the sides.
Yes, those who live life to the fullest are those who have a burning desire to succeed. Now the question is, “Do you have such a passion?”
If you have not failed, that means probably you succeeded in everything you did or you did not attempt to do anything at all.
The chances are that you never tried. Now why is that so? Most likely you were afraid to try because you feared to make mistakes. But then you already made the big mistake of not attempting.
What is the fear that keeps you from not trying. Isn’t it the fear of failure? Yes, it is!
What happens when you fail? The best thing that happens is that it shows you the stuff you are made of. Failures inspire you to do better next time, helps you learn from your mistakes and makes you desperate about winning. Failures can unmask your pretensions and show you your true character.
Failures also teach you humility. It teaches you that success is a process and not a destination. So there is no reality in classifying certain experiences of life as failures. What you probably call “failure” has done more to mould you into a person with strength of character than anything you achieved and termed as “success.”
So if you ask me, I prefer you to go and risk failure in something that you know to be good. The world may laugh at you. Let it do so.
But you go multiply your attempts. And when the nets come in empty after a long night’s hard work I hope and pray you will hear the voice of God saying“Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch!”*
Stefan and Daniela playing with plane and cock hydrogen balloons
I am the simplest of toys. Yet what else can match with the flight of joy, the leap of hearts, the waves of laughter and the bubbling memories I do create in life!
See, my friends, you need not be born in a palace to make it big in life. If you have a will to touch the skies, you can rise above from what pulls you down and fly.
And it is not in the colour or shape that the secret lies, but the faith and confidence you have on the inside. That is what makes you and me fly.
Life has changed after Covid-19. Classes are online. I miss the warmth of friendship, the ambience of learning, and the fun of doing things together.
Life has thrown new challenges. In this context, as I look back at all my experience of teaching, I think there are three things every student should know. Let me share that with you.
First of all finding yourself where you are now was never your choosing.
When you were young it was your parents who decided things for you; perhaps they still do.
You might not like everything they do and might not agree with all that they decide for you. But there are no perfect parents on earth and yours are no exception. Learn to forgive in case they are wrong.
At the same time do not give up when you find yourself in a course of study that was never your first choice.
Instead make best use of time and opportunities that are present for you. Do not compare yourself with others and feel inferior. Negative circumstances are just the right conditions for you to excel.
Who knows! If you show passion for the subject that you find yourself in today, your skill in it might just be the most wanted in the changed world tomorrow.
Secondly, learn to do ordinary things exceptionally well.
Let me start from the simplest of examples. From drawing a margin in your notebook, writing today’s date on the blackboard when given the chance, tying your shoelace properly, are all indicators of greatness.
No task is below your dignity if you can stamp it with a divine “nothing left undone that could be done” attitude. Whatever you do, do it with enthusiasm and as if there is no second chance.
When such an attitude becomes a habit there are no end to possibilities. What is mundane and routine becomes ablaze with glory.
So then, aim high and keep on doing the ordinary with the best of your efforts every single time you attempt. Let there be no exceptions.
Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength and soar on wings like eagles. This is a great promise that God told his people through Prophet Isaiah (40:31).
It tells you about God who has not forgotten you or your struggles in life. He has immense power and wisdom to show himself strong on your behalf.
He is motivating and encouraging you to rise up from your bed of despair. He is calling you to believe in him who will help you to soar on wings like eagles.
When you feel like quitting or giving up; do listen to this motivational podcast.
It will surely inspire you to trust in God who will help you to fly high just like how eagles do.
“Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” 1
1Isaiah 40:31 Bible NIV 1984.
Featured image courtesy: Photo by Frank Cone on Pexels | Microsoft Designer
To the people taken captives and in exile, to a people who had nothing to look forward to or hope for, God spoke through Prophet Jeremiah asking them not to lose heart but to work with all their hearts in the land of their captivity:
But what means this song to you and me today?
One, it is a message of present opportunity. And it is a clear call to you today as well: Do not look back at lost opportunities and wasted years in life. Instead do what you find to do right now with all your heart and strength. Do it with enthusiasm.
Two, there is promise of God’s helpin the midst of hopelessness. The message is that God has not forgotten you even though he has disciplined you. He is compassionate.
Third, God has plans for your life. Even though circumstances of today seem to restrict you, do whatever your hands find to do to the best of your ability.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”2
Yes, there is a future for you. It doesn’t matter how others have tried to make you feel despair, useless, and as having no worth; God will reverse your fortunes once again.
Therefore do not yield to despair. Instead connect with God. There is no one else who can repair the smudges on the canvas of your life like he can. He listens when your heart sighs in despair and feeling of hopelessness. For,
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.3“
Now listen to the song once again: It was the voice of despair of a people taken captive in war: “Now how shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” It was the cry of broken hearts!
But that was what the captors demanded. “Sing,” they had said. 2500 years later, the very words of lamentation of a people in exile and captivity expressing their inability to sing have conquered the world as a song of hope.3
Covid 19 has changed the face of the world. Faces have been masked, handshakes are not welcome anymore, social distancing is the norm, classes are online, and work from home (WFH) and video-conferencing is the new culture.
A lot of changes in quick time has happened. And change is never easy.
There are three things you can do to cope with change:
One is acceptance. There is no good in closing your eyes to changed realities. The longer you resist change the harder it becomes for you to adopt and adapt. So show a positive attitude to change.
Second is managing fear. The pandemic has made man realize how fragile life is. Carefully laid plans are disrupted, dreams crash, and hopes dashed in the blink of an eye. Being wise in practical steps and trust in God along with it are the means to handle fear.
First of all, don’t be afraid of change.
It has to be seen in a positive light. Know that every act of change is accompanied by doubts. Some of these doubts, if entertained for a long time, can stop you from acting. Therefore it is important to act and make needed changes before opportunities close their doors on you.
The second step is to know that there is no survival without change.
Though there is nothing new under the sun, change keeps happening. If you resist change, you will soon be outdated. Your competitors will get far ahead when you have not even begun. So be open to change. And be willing to learn and add new skill sets to your profile. Yes, with a learning attitude most of the difficulties accompanying change can be overcome.
Thirdly, be excited about change.
There is nothing like enthusiasm which can change your attitude. Instead of finding excuses for not changing, why not find reasons to be full of joy and anticipation about the change that is coming into your life? After all, expectant mothers look ahead with hope to see the newborn’s face even when they know that their world is going to change dramatically with the arrival of the child!
Finally, many people have found COVID-19 an opportunity to vent their anger against God and to proclaim him dead. I do understand their feelings. There are lot of questions I too do not have an answer to.
But what if the pandemic is a simple reminder from God to man that in spite of man landing on the moon and probing space like never before there are lot of things he is yet to understand!
Even though it sounds very difficult just thank God for all that went wrong this morning if it did for you. Sometimes plans that get upset are Godsend to save you from running into greater difficulties during the day. In our busy world, we often need attention-grabbers; and interruptions early in the day can mean just that.
Know that a bad start does not change the big purpose of your life, whatever that be. Race along in the slow pace that is possible even when you had a bad start. At the end of the day, you’ll be surprised to note that you were able to accomplish far more than you dreamed was possible.
Let me conclude by saying that it doesn’t matter if you woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. What matters more is with what attitude you are going to face life today. — “For his [God’s] compassions never fail. They are new every morning” — Lamentations 3:22b, 23a Bible.
If you look at circumstances, if you look at the wind and the clouds and the surging waves, you will never move out of the safety of the shore.
What does that mean? It means you lose your opportunity. And opportunities might not knock a second time.
Therefore have an eye that looks out for opportunities. They might not present themselves well-dressed and might even appear in beggar’s clothes. But it is your eye that looks out for the opportunity which sees potential hidden within.
Secondly, ask, seek, knock. Opportunities will never come for those who simply sit, wait, and daydream. They come only to those who actively seek for it. Be bold and persistent. And be gently persuasive. But do not give up.
Above all, never think closed doors as permanent. Trust God. He can open doors where no opportunity seems to exist. He can bring things to life out of what others term as dead situations.
Therefore be wise in the way you use God-given opportunities in life. It can mean the difference between failure and success!
You cannot please everybody. It is like trying to juggle a football, a cricket ball, and a table tennis ball along with a few cups and plates.
And that is not only impossible but even the attempt is futile.
Therefore it is wise to focus on what you do and attempt to do that well each time you do it. Of course there will be people to criticize your mistakes.
Simply accept the fact that no movement or progress is possible without being criticized.
But when that happens there is no need to lose heart.
First of all examine criticism truthfully.
It might have some lesson you can accept to correct your course of action and improve yourself. Never lose that opportunity. But accept it with humility.
Secondly, criticism can dishearten you easily. You might feel like giving up. If you do you lose a valuable opportunity to show the world how good you are in what you do. When people speak ill of you, sharpen your skills and come back more strongly than ever.
Thirdly, trust the true estimate God has about you.
It is not the colour of your skin that makes you look beautiful in his eyes. Instead it is sheer love for you that made him die for you. No one can snatch you out from his hands. Therefore do not worry, “Am I good enough?”
Let me conclude by asking you my dear friend to humbly accept criticism honestly. Use criticism as an opportunity to show your strength and not cower in weakness and fear.
Finally, be assured that in spite of all the criticism the world can throw at you and all that you think is not good about you God loves you and accepts you the way you are right now.
Why worry anymore about what others think about you?
When it happens the first thing to believe is that you can come out of it, God helping you.
Again, do not be surprised that you feel totally confused and unable to do so many things you did with ease in the past. That is how it is during a period of loss of confidence.
What you need to do is to look back, look forward, and look up. What you shouldn’t do is look inward and feel helpless.
Instead, look back to your best past performances and believe that you can do it again. Perhaps much better than how you did it then.
Then you need to look forward and focus on dreaming big for your future. Do not focus on the present misery and limit yourself. The greater your dream the better chance for your quickness of recovery.
And when you dream, always think of helping people to be at their best through your success. It will give a greater purpose to your dreams and enthusiasm in your present efforts.
The next thing to do is to look up. God loves you and is always ready to help you. The only thing you need to know is that his sense of timing is different.
He is patient. He takes time to rebuild your confidence. His goal is formation of your character and making you have inner strength and courage.
Perhaps the hidden blessing in loss of confidence is that you become a person with compassion for others. Instead of being puffed up with pride because of your talent and abilities, you learn to stoop down and give a helping hand to those who struggle with lack of confidence themselves.
So cheer up. Your loss of confidence is not going to last long. With hope in God and trust in his unchanging love for you, move forward to climb greater heights than you have ever achieved so far.
Not one of us chose to be born. But we were born anyway.
Not one of us chose our parents; nor the place of our birth or the circumstances into which we were born.
We can complain about so many things. Or we can be thankful. Or be forgetful or even worse indifferent.
But there are others who take life as it is. They try to make best use of whatever life has thrown them.
So make the best use of time and opportunities you have even when you have not much choice about what comes your way.
Life in its truest sense comes to those who do not hold on to it. They see life as a stewardship God gifted to them. They are aware that someday the Giver will ask how their life was spent.
Some others amass wealth and possessions. But “a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”1
There are a rare few who have said like what Jim Elliot said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” The truth I believe is to keep a loose hold on life. What you hold too tight might slip away.
The famous lines from the song The Gambler2 come to mind:
You’ve got to know when to hold ’em
Know when to fold ’em
Know when to walk away
And know when to run
You never count your money
When you’re sittin’ at the table
There’ll be time enough for countin’
When the dealin’s done
Every gambler knows
That the secret to survivin’
Is knowin’ what to throw away
And knowin’ what to keep
2 Minute Speech on the Meaning of. Life
Is this not what Jesus meant when he said: “The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”3?
He perhaps more than anyone else is the greatest Gambler the world has seen. When he died after having shed his blood on the cross and said “It is finished”4 he might have looked like a dismal failure. But was it?
